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Hitzfeld hits out at press

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has hit out at the media coverage of recent events at the club.

Last Updated: 16/12/07 10:53pm

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has hit out at the media coverage of events at the Bundesliga giants over the past week.

Outspoken veteran goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn was fined and suspended after criticising team-mates Franck Ribery and Luca Toni before leaving the club's Christmas party without delivering the skipper's speech.

The Kahn saga, coupled with speculation over Hitzfeld's future, has kept Bayern in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Hitzfeld's men go into the winter break at the top of the table, leading Werder Bremen on goal difference with the two teams locked on 36 points.

But another disappointing display in the 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin saw them miss the chance to be out on their own at the top.

Relegation

Hitzfeld said: "After the press reports of the past week, you would have thought we were in the relegation fight.

"But we are champions at the season's halfway point which is a great achievement for the players and will motivate them when we start again next year.

"We had planned and wanted very much to get the three points, so we would be alone at the top of the table.

"That did not happen for us, but we are winter champions, which is pleasing.